New camera: Canon Rebel T2i/550D
Posted: April 19th, 2010 | Author: Devon | Filed under: Gear, Preparations | 5 Comments »It struck me a few weeks ago that the two pocket cameras we’re bringing are not that great. I love my little Nikon, but it’s getting a bit long in the tooth. It’s never been great at low-light (blurry, noisy blogs), it’s slow to focus, if it finds the focus at all. I wanted something better to help us remember this unique time.
And so I began to do one of my favorite things: researching gadgets. A few days later I ended up at Samy’s Camera on Fairfax, holding several grand worth of Canon 7D. I didn’t want to sell my vehicle to purchase a camera (especially one being carted around Europe in a backpack), I asked if they had something cheaper. He introduced me to the Canon Rebel T2i (EOS 550D to the rest of the world). Brand new, just released last month. Similar sensor and processor as the 7D, and the same video abilities (1080p, with control over exposure, gamma curves, etc) and for less than half the price. Some more research confirmed the hype. I was feeling good about it, but the clincher for me were the stunning videos I’d seen online, shot with the camera. One titled “February” sticks out in my mind.
I purchased it with the kit lens, a Canon EFS 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 — decent, not amazing, but it fit the budget. With it, I shot the short test below during my lunch break last Wednesday.
Since shooting this, my (now former) boss gave me a gorgeous new lens as a going away present. It’s a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. Fast, sharp — just beautiful, and an excellent walking around lens. It’s what I will take with me on the trip.
Just go one of these myself with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens not exactly a walk around lens but everything I shoot looks like art π
I love the look of that lens. That shallow depth of field is really nice and, yeah, arty. Have you played with the video feature much yet?
*covet*…. one of these days, when i have time that’s not spent reading textbooks & writing papers, i’m getting myself a snazzy camera and really learning how to use the bugger.
your test short looks great, Dev!
Thanks, Adrienne!
Yes I’ve done a little. I’m working on a little something now. My friend and I have a Montage battle going on! Try it out at night in the city, the low light condition is where this thing really shines.